Metamorphosis To Death In Othello

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A Metamorphosis to Death
Until the end of Shakespeare’s play Othello, it is apparent that all the characters have undergone a great change weather it be there personality or how they perceive others. Most notably, Othello undergoes the greatest change, with each change he inches closer to his inevitable downfall. Act five scene two introduces us to an Othello we have not seen before, the honourable moor had now transformed into a hysterical murderer. By not showing any remorse or consideration to his wife pleas of innocence, we see that he is now completely trapped within Iago’s plan and brainwashed. In addition to being an outsider to all the Venetian characters he is surrounded by, Othello has now developed into the stereotypes cast upon
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Going through all these experiences and feeling, ultimately changes Othello to a great degree from the character we first saw in act one.
“It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars, It is the cause” (5.2.1-3) Othello begins this scene with a a demeanor and side of him we are not acquainted with. He articulates how he must take measures for this “cause” which is to punish Desdemona, who he believe to have cheated on him. It is evident he is distraught and under anguish over this from the tone he takes in this passage. In previous scenes we have observed that Othello maintains self control under unfavorable conditions, such as when he was faced with Barbantio laying allegation on him, or when he has had to make serious decisions, such as take control over Cyprus, but instead of seeing this anchored Othello, we see quite the opposite. Likewise, we see this is the first occasion we see Othello at odds when confronted with an issue. Leading up
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Iago’s had planted many thoughts and doubts regarding Desdemona within Othello’s mind, whether they were false or true gradually Othello was convinced of the latter. But he still loved his wife which put him, in the ending in a desperate state. Desdemona supplicates Othello for an explanation for why he has to kill her, but he seems to be in a state where he does not comprehend or take heed to what she is saying instead he is stuck in his own thoughts and emotions. This is the result of what Iago has convinced Othello of. “Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin. For to deny each article with oath, Cannot choke the strong conception, That I groan withal. Thou art to die” (5.2.67-70) Disregarding Desdemona’s defense, Othello has been consumed by emotions of hatred and jealousy, this is a new characteristic we see now fully manifested within him. “Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men” (5.2.6), Othello has his mind more set on the fact that she will betray him more and more if she live, showing to us that jealousy and vengeance are a major part of his decision making at this point. Othello in the end looses all control and carries out the deed, by smothering his wife. “Down, strumpet!” (5.2.99) and “It is too late” (5.2.105), are both uttered by Othello after smothering Desdemona, both these comments reflect how much Othello has changed from his previous